Laguna Seca

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dave T @ May 23 2007, 11:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Yesterday I was pleased to find that my tickets for the US round of the Gp's had turned up. It will be my 1st time to the track so I was looking for some advice on where the best places are to watch ( will definetly spend some time at the corkscrew). I have a grandstand seat at turn 4 on the saturday and turn 11 on race day, would anyone be able to recommend watch from these grandstands or would you go else where?

Can anyone recommend any places to go to get a beer at night when the racing is over?

Are there any other Brits making a trip out to Laguna this year?

Any advice or information would be appreciated.
Hey Dave, I've been to Laguna a few times so I'll pass on my favorites to you.

I'm not a huge fan of grandstand seating at Laguna. The turn 4 stands give a decent vantage point of the start/finish area and obviously turn 4 and the run to turn 5 and then they disappear for most of the lap. The turn 11 grandstands show even less, turn 11 (although it is a great spot for overtaking) and then the run to the start/finish/turn 1 then they are gone for the rest of the lap.

I personally enjoy sitting on the outside of turn 2 for the races, you can see 75% of the track and you are close to a very exciting section in the turns 1 and 2 area. Unfortunately, the 25% you can't see from here is the corkscrew.

Laguna isn't too big, spend Friday or Saturday walking around to all the different spots and decide what you like. I think the whole turn 6, run to the corkscrew, the corkscrew and Rainey Curve are all great places to watch but offer very little in overtaking and further vantage points.

As far as places to go at night. As long as you're on Cannery Row in Monterey, you'll have a good time.

Hope this helps, best of luck.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dave T @ May 23 2007, 12:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Are there any other Brits making a trip out to Laguna this year?

No need mate we have a real gp right here in England

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dave T @ May 23 2007, 12:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Yesterday I was pleased to find that my tickets for the US round of the Gp's had turned up. It will be my 1st time to the track so I was looking for some advice on where the best places are to watch ( will definetly spend some time at the corkscrew). I have a grandstand seat at turn 4 on the saturday and turn 11 on race day, would anyone be able to recommend watch from these grandstands or would you go else where?

Can anyone recommend any places to go to get a beer at night when the racing is over?

Are there any other Brits making a trip out to Laguna this year?

Any advice or information would be appreciated.

Well, I've never been to Laguna, but I would go for the corkscrew. To me, that's the most amazing part of that circuit.

I'll be there! But it will be my first time too, so I'm just as lost as you. I'm hoping a few other people can contribute to this thread. I'll be watching! Carry on.

Andretti Hairpin, Turn 11 and the Cockscrew (turn 8/8a)would be my picks.. Bikes run counter clockwise.

http://www.keigwin.com/images/Lagunamap.gif

take your time on saturday to get to know the layout. the problem with the corkscrew is that there is such limited viewing. however, you will get to see how steep it really is which is never ever conveyed properly on tv or pictures.

i would recommend watching anywhere you have access to a bigscreen, which the corkscrew doesn't have.

maybe you can watch some qualifying from there, but i would recommend someplace else for the actual race.

also, bring sunscreen, lots of water, a hat/umbrella/etc.

last year was unbelievably hot and there is absolutely no natural shade anywhere. there's a few trees at the top of the hill you climb to get to the corkscrew, but not enough shade for more than 50-100 people.

Hi Dave, my offer still stands as I remember you mentioned this a few months ago. I go every year (have for about the last 8). Austin, Crvlvr and Drumfu make some great recommendations.

Here is mine. Go to the link that Crvlvr posted; check out the blue handicap symbol at the very center of the map (the track goes entirely around this spot). Print out that map then read the rest of my post...If you sit right there, it will give you a vantage point of about 85% of the entire track. I'll be there, and I can show you around if you want. Nowhere else can you get this view. This spot is a hill, so you will be looking down on the entire track. On top of that, there is a big screen in front of you that is made for the stands at turn 4. So you will not miss the 15% of the track you can't see. Here you will be able to see the entire race! There are also loud speakers there so you will hear the commentary (or take a radio, and they will list the station for you to listen in with headphones). This is the best access to the Corkscrew, which you must visit. All you have to do is walk right to it from this spot, otherwise, anywhere else will be a mission to get there. I suggest you see it during practice, then for the actual race, go back to that spot I'm referring to.

There are a plethora of things to do, the event is like a circus, and MotoGP is the high wire act. What I mean is, there is plenty to see, hear, and smell. Great food, many manufacture and merchant booths, stunt shows, and they may even have a supermotard (not sure if this year but they’ve had it in the past). Walk around, it will take you all three days to see everything.

The weather is unpredictable in the sense that it can vary from mild hot to ....... hot. If there is a breeze, you're in luck, if its not and its as hot as last year, you're ...... on the weather, but you can get a good tan, so take plenty of suncreen. But if you're like me, once I see bikes rolling around, nothing else matters.

As far as nightlife. Make damn sure you go out to Cannery Row in down town Monterey. This you will enjoy. The best place for music and dancing is the club Blue Finn. You can't miss it.

Anyways, have fun and PM if you want any other tips or support. I organize a trip every year with about 25 crazy drunk guys like me.

Thanks for the info jumkie. Much appreciated.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Tom @ May 23 2007, 02:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>No need mate we have a real gp right here in England

Expand your horizons Tom.As a GP fan i would think wanting to visit any GP and a different country would be high on anyones list.I cant think of one i would NOT like to go to.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (povol @ May 23 2007, 10:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Expand your horizons Tom.As a GP fan i would think wanting to visit any GP and a different country would be high on anyones list.I cant think of one i would NOT like to go to.

Same here. I'm envious of you Euro guys who have a bunch of GPs going on in such a small geographic area. I'd go to 5 a year if I lived over there! As of now I've only been to Motegi, and this summer I will have been to Laguna.

Bring on Indy!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dave T @ May 23 2007, 12:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Yesterday I was pleased to find that my tickets for the US round of the Gp's had turned up. It will be my 1st time to the track so I was looking for some advice on where the best places are to watch ( will definetly spend some time at the corkscrew). I have a grandstand seat at turn 4 on the saturday and turn 11 on race day, would anyone be able to recommend watch from these grandstands or would you go else where?

Can anyone recommend any places to go to get a beer at night when the racing is over?

Are there any other Brits making a trip out to Laguna this year?

Any advice or information would be appreciated.
Oh you're gonna love it!!!

You'll find a friendly British welcome and a place to shelter all weekend at my gallery on Honda Island. That is behind turns 2, 3 and 4. In the evenings come and join me for a beer as I exhibit at the Embassy Suites.

Enjoy your grandstand seats, but find the time to take a stroll up to the corkscrew, you simply won't believe your eyes.

I'm planning a few special guests on my stand, I'll keep you posted.
See you all there!!!!
Burky

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (povol @ May 24 2007, 03:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Expand your horizons Tom.As a GP fan i would think wanting to visit any GP and a different country would be high on anyones list.I cant think of one i would NOT like to go to.

Don't worry about it buddy, i was just having a prod at jumkie to see if i could kick him off a bit but it didn't work.

I too want to go to as many different grand prix as i can (laguna is fairly low on the list mind), and i actually traveled to Jerez this march!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Tom @ May 24 2007, 08:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I too want to go to as many different grand prix as i can (laguna is fairly low on the list mind), and i actually traveled to Jerez this march!
Tom, Laguna, GO!!!!!!
It's more than just a GP, it's 100% entertainment.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Burky @ May 24 2007, 09:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Tom, Laguna, GO!!!!!!
It's more than just a GP, it's 100% entertainment.

For the same price i could go to two in europe, so until i've done a few more of the local essentials i wont be making the big trips. But one day.............

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Tom @ May 24 2007, 09:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>For the same price i could go to two in europe, so until i've done a few more of the local essentials i wont be making the big trips. But one day.............
It's worth 2 in Europe!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Burky @ May 24 2007, 10:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>It's worth 2 in Europe!

not without the small bikes its not. I will not pay for 6 races and watch 1!

You lucky dogs..............I wanna go I wanna go stamp feet and sulking